Biblioterapia no ensino superior do Brasil: panorama dos cursos de biblioteconomia no Nordeste

Abstract

Introduction: Bibliotherapy is understood as an interdisciplinary practice that uses reading for therapeutic purposes and to promote well-being, with the librarian acting asa possible mediator in this process. In Brazil, the Northeast region has ten on-site Library Science programs, covering all states in the region. Objective: This study investigated how bibliotherapy is addressed in the curricula of on-site Library Science programsat universities in Northeast Brazil. Specifically, it sought to identify the programs that include bibliotherapy in their curricula; analyze subjects, content, and methodologies; verify the workload and theoretical and/or practical approach, as well as point out the challenges and opportunities for strengthening the teaching of bibliotherapy. Methodology: This isanexploratory and descriptive study, with a qualitative and quantitative approach, which analyzed the websitesand documents of ten universities in the region. Results: The results indicate that only three programs have courseswith content related to bibliotherapy and therapeutic information. The study reveals an incipient presence of the theme in librarian training, which may be related to traditional curricula and the reduced number of specialized professors. Conclusion: It is concluded that regular updating of Library Science programcurricula is essential, with the inclusion of coursesthat explore integrative practices, such as bibliotherapy. Furthermore, the importance of promoting research and outreachactivities that strengthen the knowledge and practice of bibliotherapy in the academic and professional spheres is highlighted, preparing future librarians to act as agents of care and social transformation.